Sunday, September 13, 2026Lafayette & Acadiana · Updated hourlyVol. I · No. 93
KLFY46d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana advances in federal nuclear initiative negotiations

Louisiana has advanced to the next phase of negotiations to participate in a federal nuclear initiative after Governor Jeff Landry signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. The state is moving forward in discussions that could bring nuclear energy development opportunities to Louisiana.

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KLFY47d ago
Business & Economy

Lafayette Regional Airport receives $1.8 million Stryker fire truck

Lafayette Regional Airport has received a new $1.8 million Stryker fire truck manufactured by Oshkosh to improve its emergency response capabilities. This acquisition enhances the airport's safety infrastructure and readiness for potential incidents.

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KATC47d ago
Business & Economy

Opelousas Downtown Development District invests $100K through BIG Program

The Opelousas Downtown Development District announced recipients of its BIG Program, distributing $100,000 in grants to 11 businesses and organizations for exterior building improvements. The initiative aims to stimulate continued investment and revitalization in downtown Opelousas.

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The Current47d ago
Business & Economy

Carbon sequestration may expand in Cameron Parish

A Lake Charles company has applied for a permit to inject and store up to 19 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into two wells in Cameron Parish. If approved, this would become the third carbon sequestration project in Louisiana and the second in Cameron Parish, representing potential economic development through environmental technology.

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KLFY47d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana workers most at risk for job burnout: Study

A recent study identifies Louisiana as the state where workers face the highest risk for job burnout. The findings highlight workplace stress and burnout concerns affecting the state's workforce.

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KLFY50d ago
Business & Economy

Invasive apple snails threaten Louisiana crawfish farms

An invasive species of apple snails that was first detected in South Louisiana in 2018 continues to spread across the region, posing a significant threat to the local crawfish farming industry. The snails are causing severe damage to crawfish farms throughout Louisiana's aquaculture areas.

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The Current51d ago
Business & Economy

Vermilion Parish senator wants to join the ‘new space race’

State Sen. Bob Hensgens is optimistic about a potential SpaceX facility in Vermilion Parish, viewing it as an opportunity for economic growth in the region. The senator believes proper preparation could make the rumored deal beneficial for the district and the broader Acadiana area.

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KLFY52d ago
Business & Economy

State Senator Hensgens discusses potential SpaceX project impact on Vermilion Parish

State Senator Bob Hensgens addressed the Rotary Club of Abbeville about rumors of SpaceX's potential interest in developing a project on Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The senator urged the parish to prepare for possible economic impacts and growth that could result from the aerospace company's involvement in the area.

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The Current53d ago
Business & Economy

Coushatta Legacy Tower project faces $40 million shortfall

The Coushatta Casino's Legacy Tower project is facing a $40 million budget shortfall, according to a memo from the casino's CFO to the Tribal Council. The CFO has recommended hiring freezes and cost-cutting measures while taking responsibility for the financial miscalculations.

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The Current53d ago
Business & Economy

Could Louisiana ‘Cajunize’ the space industry?

SpaceX may establish operations in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, as legal obstacles have been cleared for the space company to set up shop in the area. State Senator Bob Hensgens is optimistic about the potential economic opportunities this development could bring to the region.

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The Current55d ago
Business & Economy

As private equity creeps into La. utilities, ratepayers face an uphill battle

Private equity firms are increasingly taking over Louisiana utility systems, including water and sewer operations, leading to significant rate increases for residents. Local ratepayers like Cindy Case-Brown and Connie Norris are challenging these changes through regulatory processes.

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KLFY59d ago
Business & Economy

Five Sisters Site in St. Martin Parish certified for development

A 19.91-acre site in St. Martin Parish called the Five Sisters Site has been certified for development through One Acadiana's Site Development Program in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development. The property is situated above the 100-year floodplain and is suitable for commercial development.

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KATC60d ago
Business & Economy

International Rice Festival names Jarrod Breaux 2026 Farmer of the Year

Jarrod Breaux, a third-generation farmer from the Acadiana area, has been named 2026 Farmer of the Year by the International Rice Festival. The honor recognizes Breaux's independent agricultural operation and contributions to Louisiana's rice farming industry.

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KLFY61d ago
Business & Economy

Meta expands Louisiana data center, investment to reach $50 billion

Meta announced a major expansion of its North Louisiana data center, increasing computing capacity to 5 gigawatts and investing over $50 billion in the project. This significant investment represents a substantial commitment to the state's technology infrastructure and economic development.

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KATC64d ago
Business & Economy

Summer months bring important tests for Acadiana’s sugarcane crop

Acadiana's sugarcane farmers and researchers are conducting critical monitoring and testing during the summer months to prepare for the upcoming harvest season. The article explores the months of preparation and various factors that farmers and researchers track to ensure a successful crop.

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The Current64d ago
Business & Economy

‘Turning a corner’: SWLA reversing course on population and jobs, economist says

Southwest Louisiana, particularly Calcasieu Parish, is reversing a seven-year population and job decline that followed major weather events. According to an economist, the region has turned a corner over the past two years with positive trends in both population retention and job growth.

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KLFY65d ago
Business & Economy

$17 million will go toward water system in Opelousas

Opelousas has secured a $17 million revolving drinking water loan from the Louisiana Department of Health to replace aging galvanized water lines throughout the city's water distribution system. This infrastructure investment will improve water quality and system reliability for residents.

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KLFY66d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana residents carry high car loan debt, study finds

Louisiana residents are struggling with significant car loan debt, ranking fourth in the nation with an average auto loan burden of $22,730 per person, according to a new WalletHub study. The state's residents carry a debt-to-income ratio of 42%, indicating that car payments consume a substantial portion of household income for many Louisiana families.

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KATC67d ago
Business & Economy

North Lafayette revitalization gains momentum with new businesses, infrastructure projects

North Lafayette is experiencing significant revitalization with new businesses opening and infrastructure improvements transforming the area. The Northside is seeing vacant buildings converted into thriving commercial spaces as investment continues to reshape the neighborhood. These developments represent growing economic momentum and community reinvestment in the Lafayette area.

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KLFY67d ago
Business & Economy

Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana opens its doors

Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana officially opened its doors to patients, expanding access to inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for adolescents, adults, and older adults across southwest Louisiana. The new hospital marks the official transition of Oceans Behavioral Hospital Broussard to Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana - Broussard, strengthening mental health services in the region.

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KLFY67d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana ranks among states with lowest income, study finds

A WalletHub study reveals Louisiana's economic challenges, ranking the state 42nd nationally in average income for the top 5% of earners, 47th in median annual income, and dead last at 50th in average income for the bottom 20%. The findings highlight significant income inequality and lower overall earning potential across Louisiana's population compared to other states.

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KATC71d ago
Business & Economy

SBA loans available for people affected by Tropical Storm Arthur

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the availability of disaster loans for people affected by Tropical Storm Arthur across multiple Louisiana parishes. Eligible parishes include Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne, which are in and around the Acadiana region. These loans are designed to help local businesses and individuals recover from storm-related damages.

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KATC74d ago
Business & Economy

Real Estate broker shares economic impacts Space X could have on Vermilion Parish

Real estate broker Jim Keaty of Keaty Real Estate has been researching potential SpaceX operations in Vermilion Parish and believes there is credible evidence to take the rumors seriously. The article explores the possible economic impacts such a development could have on the local Acadiana region. Keaty's analysis suggests significant potential benefits for the parish's economy and real estate market.

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KLFY74d ago
Business & Economy

Company cancels $4.5B Louisiana carbon capture project

Air Products has cancelled its planned $4.5 billion carbon capture project in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The facility was expected to be a major economic development for the region. The cancellation represents a significant loss for the state's efforts to attract large-scale industrial investment in clean energy technology.

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